Southampton, in League VII, and Pierson, in League VIII, appeared to have the inside track at league titles — until last week.

On Thursday Babylon came into Southampton with a sparkling 8-1-league mark, second only to the Mariners’ perfect 9-0. But the Panthers walked out in a first place tie, upending the locals 69-60. Credit Fernando Vasquez, who exploded for career high 32 points in addition to dishing out for nine more scores.

Devon Trent led the losers with 17, Lyle Smith scored 14 and Travon Smith added 11. The Mariners will look to regroup against Hampton Bays tomorrow at 4 PM at home.

Over in League VIII Pierson was also rolling along undefeated, winning its first eight games. That ended Friday, when the Whalers traveled to Greenport (5-3, 7-5 overall) and ran into a buzz saw, dropping a key matchup, 59-49, and falling a game behind Stony Brook.

Riverhead (8-3, 11-3) moved into a first place tie in League III, besting East Islip 71-57 on the losers’ court. Markim Austin drilled three treys en route to a game high 25 points. Jeremiah Cheatom chipped in with 19 and Brandon Tolliver scored 15. Riverhead plays at Smithtown East tomorrow and hosts Smithtown West on Tuesday.

In other local action Southold (2-7 in League VIII) topped Ross School (1-7) 72-56. Liam Walker had 23 points for the winners. Roosevelt Odidi was a one-man wrecking crew for Ross, going off for 30 points.